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Archive 2016 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

Luvwine
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p.56 #1 · p.56 #1 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

Fred Miranda wrote:
I just received a Leica 90/2 AA and tested it with TAP. Powerful combination for portraits and long distance subjects.
Here is one of my first pictures with it.

I too will be interested in how it does relative to Zeiss ZM 85/4 and others. It has always seemed to me to have a good combination of attributes: speed, infinity prowess, small size (compared to some lenses), portraiture ability, well corrected, and excellent build quality. Thus, a good all rounder. I will look forward to hearing your impressions if you are willing to share them.

Sep 21, 2016 at 07:25 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.56 #2 · p.56 #2 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

I did some tests with the 90/2 AA today. First let me say that I've never seen a decentered Leica lens. Granted, I've only tested around 5 or 6 lenses in total but they were all perfectly centered. It's nice to have that piece of mind when purchasing it used.

So, how does it perform?...I will be direct and state that it beats my ZM 85/4 at infinity and that is very hard to do. There is more micro detail with the Leica center/mid-field and edges. It's noticeable at 1:1. That is true at f/4 and f/5.6 and it makes sense since the Zeiss is practically wide-open. At f/8 they are much closer but there is still a slight edge for the cron.
The Leica 90AA is sharp wide open but starting at f/2.8 it's gives an amazing performance for landscapes. At f/4 and f/5.6 it's really superb.

It performs very well at close distances too. I took a few images of my teenage girls with TAP and was able to nail the eyes every time. At close and mid distances, I don't think it's much better than the Summarit but at infinity there is absolutely no comparison.

For me, the Leica 90/2 AA will replace my ZM 85/4, CY 100/3.5 and Leica 90/2.5 Summarit lenses. They will probably go to the buy and sell soon.

Sep 21, 2016 at 08:42 PM

Jack Thompson
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p.56 #3 · p.56 #3 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

I've really been wondering about this. Thanks Fred. All decisions for my TAP'd A7RII travel kit have been decided (loxia 21, 50 Summicron R, ZM 35 1.4) except the 90, and only last night (after being pretty settled on the 2.5) did I start to wonder if the extra cost and weight of the 90/2 AA would be worth it. Reading Thorsten Overgaard wax somewhat poetic about the Leica APO affect, I started to wonder if beside sharpness, the APO rendered in a way that just put it in another class. I laugh at myself as I think this, because I did this dance with the ZM 35D vs the Sony 35 2.8. If asked to describe the difference between the Sony and the ZM, I'd say the Sony is a fine lens. Capable of producing really lovely images. But the ZM lenses just makes me stop and say, "Wow. Totally different league." And all things considered, the 35ZM is still small, still compact, still light. Way more expensive, but for the "Wow" factor, worth it to not reach for another 35.

Is my 35 comparison at all analogous to the 90/2.5 vs 90/AA 2?

Sep 21, 2016 at 09:38 PM

AGeoJO
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p.56 #4 · p.56 #4 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

Alright, Fred! My 90mm crown AA and other Leica-M lenses just increase in value. Kidding aside, like you, I am impressed with Leica lenses, just not the price.

Sep 21, 2016 at 09:43 PM

GMPhotography
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p.56 #5 · p.56 #5 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

Reading this just cost more money. Lol

I'll stick with my ZM 85 for now. Investing in this lens would mean 3600 for two 85. That's a bad ROI

I had the 90 back in the day. Great lens

Sep 21, 2016 at 10:51 PM

jhinkey
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p.56 #6 · p.56 #6 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

Wow, it's hard to imagine anything beating my 85ZM on my A7RII, but until you get two lenses side-by-side you never know. I do know the 90/2 AA is quite a bit heavier than the ZM, which is a big deal for me and where I carry my lenses.

Sep 21, 2016 at 11:03 PM

GMPhotography
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p.56 #7 · p.56 #7 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

jhinkey wrote:
Wow, it's hard to imagine anything beating my 85ZM on my A7RII, but until you get two lenses side-by-side you never know. I do know the 90/2 AA is quite a bit heavier than the ZM, which is a big deal for me and where I carry my lenses.

Agree damn ZM is a laser. Question is used the ZM let's say is 650 and Leica 1800 that's a pretty big jump. Makes you scratch your head. Lol

Sep 21, 2016 at 11:14 PM

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p.56 #8 · p.56 #8 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

Jack Thompson wrote:
I've really been wondering about this. Thanks Fred. All decisions for my TAP'd A7RII travel kit have been decided (loxia 21, 50 Summicron R, ZM 35 1.4) except the 90, and only last night (after being pretty settled on the 2.5) did I start to wonder if the extra cost and weight of the 90/2 AA would be worth it. Reading Thorsten Overgaard wax somewhat poetic about the Leica APO affect, I started to wonder if beside sharpness, the APO rendered in a way that just put it in another class. I laugh at myself as I think this,...Show more →

I'd say it depends on distance. The 90/2.5 is a very fine lens at close/mid distances (portraits, street). It's actually lovely and incredibly sharp.
Its Achilles' heel is LoCA and astigmatism. The latter does not affect our portraits but it's surely degrades IQ mid and edges making it not the best choice for landscapes...
I will sell my 90/2.5 but feel bad about it because it's slightly smaller (thinner) and noticeably lighter. However, with the optional hood it's longer than the 90/2 AA even when its built-in hood is at the expanded position.

The 90/2 AA is a well-rounded lens. Excellent at all distances just like the 85/1.4GM, except that it's much more compact.

I had the 85ZM for landscapes and 90/2.5 for travel portraits and they are great choices for these applications. The 90/2 AA will replace both since it does well in both areas. It's actually better which it's hard to believe. I'm surprised.

Sep 21, 2016 at 11:19 PM

Jack Thompson
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p.56 #9 · p.56 #9 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

Great analysis Fred, thank you.

Sep 21, 2016 at 11:36 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.56 #10 · p.56 #10 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

GMPhotography wrote:
Agree damn ZM is a laser. Question is used the ZM let's say is 650 and Leica 1800 that's a pretty big jump. Makes you scratch your head. Lol

The 85/1.4 GM (portraits) and 85/4 ZM (landscapes) strategy makes a lot of sense. The problem is that I wanted another compact fast lens for travel to use with my TAP and got the 90/2.5 Summarit for that. So, I ended up spending about $1,500...(ZM and Summarit used prices)

Sep 21, 2016 at 11:37 PM

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p.56 #11 · p.56 #11 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

Fred Miranda wrote:
I'd say it depends on distance. The 90/2.5 is a very fine lens at close/mid distances (portraits, street). It's actually lovely and incredibly sharp.
Its Achilles' heel is LoCA and astigmatism. The latter does not affect our portraits but it's surely degrades IQ mid and edges making it not the best choice for landscapes...
I will sell my 90/2.5 but feel bad about it because it's slightly smaller (thinner) and noticeably lighter. However, with the optional hood it's longer than the 90/2 AA even when its built-in hood is at the expanded position.

The 90/2 AA is a well-rounded lens. Excellent at...Show more →

Ha too late to buy your copy of the 85 Fred! I have one in the mail...
I considered the Apo Summicron; but decided the extra weight for hiking purposes over tele tessar wasn't desirable. Also, it's not clear to me that it's heaps better than the Batis for "general" travel and portrait purposes - and that's lighter if you take into account TAP (and cheaper). It'd be interesting to see a shoot out between Batis and Summicron AA.

It does mean for me that the C/Y 100 might need a new home. Trumped for hiking by smaller lighter tele tessar, trumped for general use and travel portrait by Batis. Hard to part with though (and the hassle of selling always seems higher for more affordable lenses..)

Sep 21, 2016 at 11:39 PM

GMPhotography
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p.56 #12 · p.56 #12 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

Fred Miranda wrote:
The 85/1.4 GM (portraits) and 85/4 ZM (landscapes) strategy makes a lot of sense. The problem is that I wanted another compact fast lens for travel to use with my TAP and got the 90/2.5 Summarit for that. So, I ended up spending about $1,500...(ZM and Summarit used prices)

I came across a good deal on a 90AA and after testing it against my other lenses, it made sense for me to keep my dedicated portrait lens (85GM) and another compact and fast telephoto that does well on all distances and can be used with TAP.

Yea I just gotta watch my pennies. I'm thinking ahead that Fuji might be worth considering next year. My combo kit of 85s works pretty well

Sep 21, 2016 at 11:52 PM

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p.56 #13 · p.56 #13 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

DavidBM wrote:
Ha too late to buy your copy of the 85 Fred! I have one in the mail...
I considered the Apo Summicron; but decided the extra weight for hiking purposes over tele tessar wasn't desirable. Also, it's not clear to me that it's heaps better than the Batis for "general" travel and portrait purposes - and that's lighter if you take into account TAP (and cheaper). It'd be interesting to see a shoot out between Batis and Summicron AA.

It does mean for me that the C/Y 100 might need a new home. Trumped for hiking by smaller lighter tele tessar, trumped...Show more →

I didn't test the 90AA vs 85 Batis but compared the ZM with the latter.
Strictly landscapes, the ZM did better at f/4 and f/5.6 (mid and edges) but the Batis caught up at f/6.3 and smaller. Contrast is similar.

The 90AA did noticeably better than the ZM at most apertures though (more detail). I was quite surprised and was not expecting it after the dismal performance from the 90/2.5 Summarit.

Here is an example showing both at f/4 (mid and extreme edges). At f/5.6, the ZM does better but the Leica improves further. They are similar at f/8.

Both side by side at f/4 to compare vignetting

Mid-FIELD AREA at f/4

EXTREME EDGE AREA (f/4)

Sep 22, 2016 at 12:01 AM

Khun Hans
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p.56 #14 · p.56 #14 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

michaelstokes wrote:
Has anyone used the Teacart Pro with the Leica S'lux 35mm FLE or the S'lux 50mm ASPH? I have sold all of my Leica gear with the exception of these two lenses which are getting very little use on my A7R11 or A711. Thanks in advance for you help.

I have the 50mm Summilux-M and also the 50mm Summicron-R.
Surprisingly the pictures with the S'cron-R appeared to be sharper, more detailed and different in color which pleases the eye.
At least for me on a 7II and TPA.

Want to show a picture but can't though I pay monthly to FM.

Sep 22, 2016 at 12:05 AM

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p.56 #15 · p.56 #15 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

GMPhotography wrote:
Yea I just gotta watch my pennies. I'm thinking ahead that Fuji might be worth considering next year. My combo kit of 85s works pretty well

Yes, agree. The new Fuji could change everything but it will all depend on the lenses. For me, it would mean two systems though. One dedicated to landscapes and another for everything else.

Sep 22, 2016 at 12:06 AM

GMPhotography
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p.56 #16 · p.56 #16 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

Me too as well. Not crazy about that
But will see

Fred Miranda wrote:
Yes, agree. The new Fuji could change everything but it will all depend on the lenses. For me, it would mean two systems though. One dedicated to landscapes and another for everything else.

Sep 22, 2016 at 12:07 AM

GMPhotography
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p.56 #17 · p.56 #17 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

Pretty typical a summicron will be sharper than a Lux more wide open. That's really the design. Leica made some really high end R lenses the 50 cron was really a good one as the last version of it goes. Big thing about Leica is keeping track of what version both in M and R. They updated many of them

Khun Hans wrote:
I have the 50mm Summilux-M and also the 50mm Summicron-R.
Surprisingly the pictures with the S'cron-R appeared to be sharper, more detailed and different in color which pleases the eye.
At least for me on a 7II and TPA.

Want to show a picture but can't though I pay monthly to FM.

Sep 22, 2016 at 12:08 AM

DavidBM
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p.56 #18 · p.56 #18 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

Fred Miranda wrote:
I didn't test the 90AA vs 85 Batis but compared the ZM with the latter.
Strictly landscapes, the ZM did better at f/4 and f/5.6 (mid and edges) but the Batis caught up at f/6.3 and smaller. Contrast is similar.

The 90AA did noticeably better than the ZM at most apertures though (more detail). I was quite surprised and was not expecting it after the dismal performance from the 90/2.5 Summarit.

Here is an example showing both at f/4 (mid and extreme edges). At f/5.6, the ZM does better but the Leica improves further. They are similar at f/8.

OK so Batis, Tele Tessar and 'Cron similar at f8.
So Tessar then for landscape hiking.

So then the question is how central area is at wide apertures between Batis and 'Cron for travel portraiture.

I guess if you are always going to have TAP with you anyway when travelling the Batis and the Cron pretty much weigh the same. So its a matter of (when we are in our perfectionist moods!) how much better the cron is than the Batis at closer distances and centre to mid.
Batis is likely as good as I care about (especially with eye AF)

Interesting times! Judging my the MTF the new Loxia may be the one to rule them all: except that without AF or TAP it wound't be my portrait choice. And it's too heavy for my hiking choice. So I'd have to invent a new category: the landscape lens for when you are getting about by car or bike or doing day hikes. I can already see the spiel I have to give to my wife "You know how I have always said that you need hiking lenses and general lenses at most focal lengths, along with some 'studio' lenses that usually stay at home? Well there's another category I forgot to tell you about.....

Sep 22, 2016 at 12:19 AM

azenis
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p.56 #19 · p.56 #19 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

Finally got it after sitting on the fence for so long. I got it from Leicaist's own Taobao store.

Played around for 20min, I gotta say... this is the product of the year as far as innovation goes.

I gave up AF with my Nikon to go with Sony (while adapting everything to it) as I just love legacy lenses.

TAP basically brought back the AF for all the legacy lenses I have. Big kudos to TA and all of you sharing the info here.

Sep 22, 2016 at 11:11 AM

naturephoto1
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p.56 #20 · p.56 #20 · Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock!

Rich

Sep 22, 2016 at 12:23 PM

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